Linking secondary metabolites to gene clusters through genome sequencing of six diverse Aspergillus species

Significance The genus of Aspergillus holds fungi relevant to plant and human pathology, food biotechnology, enzyme production, model organisms, and a selection of extremophiles. Here we present six whole-genome sequences that represent unexplored branches of the Aspergillus genus. The comparison of these genomes with previous genomes, coupled with extensive chemical analysis, has allowed us to identify genes for toxins, antibiotics, and anticancer compounds, as well as show that Aspergillus novofumigatus is potentially as pathogenic as Aspergillus fumigatus , and has an even more diverse set of secreted bioactive compounds. The findings are of interest to industrial biotechnology and basic research, as well as medical and clinical research.